Chicago , United States

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

Active

(3147 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities. Hear true crime stories about Chicago Gangster Al Capone, The Untouchables, The Chicago Mob, Prohibition, John Dillinger, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, Cap George Streeter, Leopold & Loeb, H.H. Holmes and more.

Visit historic landmark buildings like: The Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, Cook County Criminal Court House, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, etc.

Tour famous Chicago neighborhoods: Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop and Magnificent Mile. Locals and tourists agree that this educational and entertaining thing to do in Chicago is a unique cultural experience.

Available options

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

What's included

All inclusions are subject to availability.

Mini mob museum

Live interactive tour guide

Historic video footage

Keepsake brochure with special offers

Exclusive crime quiz

Photos at infamous crime scenes

Detailed itinerary

This world famous tour starts and ends OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson Street (SE side of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street). Learn about the history of leading gangster and mobster figures like Al Capone, John Dillinger, Frank Nitti, Dean O'Banion, and Bugs Moran. You'll see famous gangster shootout sites like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the handshake murder, and 'The Enforcers'' safe and tunnels. You will be led by a local, informative guide and guests are able to get off the bus and explore these historic crime scenes.

Stop 2 Pass by

Meet your guide across from the Water Tower Place shopping mall in Chicago’s Near North Side at your selected time. Hop aboard a luxury climate-controlled coach and begin your 1.5-2 hour tour of the history of Chicago crime, from 19th century to today.

Drive by the Museum of Contemporary Art, a world class institution that offers a rich experience during a visit to Chicago. Just steps from the start and end of the tour, a great opportunity to explore modern art.

Stop 4 Pass by

See the Magnificent Mile.

View the world famous John Hancock Center in the historic Streeterville neighborhood.

Stop 6 Pass by

Drive through historic and beautiful Lincoln Park and it's surrounding neighborhood on the tour route.

Drive by on tour bus.

Stop 8

Stake out crime scenes including the Biograph Theatre.

Drive by en route to the St. Valentines Day Massacre.

Stop 10

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago River, skyline and historic speakeasy from the State Street Bridge.

The Jewelers Building and historic landmark building.

Go inside to see Nitti's vault, a mob museum, and historic bootlegging tunnels.

Pass by the Holy Name Cathedral, and see the site of the 1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre, one of Chicago's most notorious murder scenes. This Prohibition-era conflict between two powerful Chicago gangs -- the South Side gang led by Al Capone and the North Side gang led by Bugs Moran -- ended in the brutal murder of seven Mob members. In addition to your comfortable, narrated drive through the city, you’ll also hop off the coach to visit some areas by foot for a more immersive experience. Your guide will offer in-depth narration as you follow the path that Chicago gangsters John Dillinger and Hymie Weiss walked right before their deaths. Hop back on the coach and return to the Near North Side to conclude your Chicago crime and gangsters tour.

Conclude the tour across the street from the Historic Water Tower, one of the few surviving structures from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This iconic building is often open to the public before or after the tour.

What's not included

Gratuity: Recommended $5/person gratuity (or more) via cash or Venmo.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

1,214 reviews

5★

851

4★

194

3★

100

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

1,933 reviews

5★

1537

4★

228

3★

100

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Bus departs on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. If you don't see the bus 10 minutes before the start time, call the number indicated in your ticket for help.

Guests may not join the tour after the bus departs. General seating is on a first-come first-served basis. Joint seating is not guaranteed.

No restroom breaks. Please go before checking in at the bus.

No eating or drinking on the bus.

There is no onsite office.

Bus has five (5) steps and some stops off of the bus include stairs. Bus is NOT equipped with an electronic lift. There is limited storage available for a folding wheelchair or stroller.

Audio and video recording and services are not permitted without the express written consent of Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences.

Kindly refrain from talking or translating on the bus during the tour.

Meeting point

Bus pickup OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson (SE side of Pearson St and Michigan Ave). Report 15 minutes early for check-in. Bus departs on time. Look for the tour guide at the bus.

Important notes

• Bus departs on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check-in with the tour guide.
• If you don't see the bus and haven't checked in 10 minutes before starting time, call the tour operator for help.
• Paperless ticketing. The tour guide has the lead traveler's name on the guest list.
• First-come first-served seating. Joint seating is not guaranteed.
• No one may join the tour after the bus departs.
• No bathrooms on the bus or restroom breaks. Go before check-in.
• No eating or drinking on the bus.
• Bus has five (5) steps and some stops off of the bus include stairs. Bus is NOT equipped with an electronic lift. There is limited storage available for a folding wheelchair or stroller.
• Kindly refrain from talking or translating while the tour guide is speaking on the bus.
• Call the tour operator at least 2 hours in advance of the tour if you have any special needs.

About Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $25 (adults), Free for children under 14

Skydeck Chicago

Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.

Observation Deck 1-2 hours $28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (game duration varies) Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating

Must-Try Local Dishes

Deep-Dish Pizza

A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.

Chicago-Style Popcorn

A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.

Snack Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.

Popular Activities

Kayaking on the Chicago River Biking along Lake Michigan Rock climbing at First Ascent Picnicking in Millennium Park Yoga in the park Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night

Getting there

By air

O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Loop Lincoln Park Wicker Park Magnificent Mile Pilsen

Day trips

Navy Pier

2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Wrigley Field

10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Museum Campus

3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day

The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.

Festivals

Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival) Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival) Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city